In the Bible, the book of Acts picturesquely describes a woman by the name of Dorcas who was known for her charitable work and deeds. Similarly, the United Methodist Church women in Mutare has shown that Dorcas lives in them as they donated sanitary pads and menstrual products to adolescents’ girls in Zimunya.
Access to sanitary pads is challenge, with the church making a vocal turning point to help the adolescent girls in the community. The church through the women has recognized the young girls in their districts, who are going through the challenge.
In rural and peri urban areas, the problem of period poverty has been a challenge to many young girls as they fail to attend school. A study by SNV Zimbabwe has revealed that 72% of menstruating schoolgirls cannot afford sanitary products, leading to 62% missing school each month due to lack of access to sanitary wear and menstrual pain.
The United Methodist Church (UMC) has taken a golden loin from the passionate and dedicated Dorcas who was known for her charitable deeds and clothing.
In a recorded United Methodist Church YouTube channel, Muromo Primary School Health Coordinator, Jacqueline Dangarembwa said young girls have been missing school because of the period poverty.
“If a girl child does not have this sanitary pad, she will not even come to school because of poverty. As a woman, you have just raised us, these are women of tomorrow. They are also going to be leaders of tomorrow,” she said.
United Methodist Church is known for their commitment and love as they help the communities and the less privileged.
This year, the government has allocating ZiG 85 million (approximately US$3.27 million) to provide free sanitary wear for schoolgirls as part of its ongoing “Free Sanitary Wear” initiative.
This initiative, which started in 2020, aims to tackle period poverty and ensure menstrual health for students.
A significant portion of girls and women still face challenges affording or accessing adequate menstrual hygiene products, with some resorting to using unhygienic materials like cloth or cotton wool.
This can lead to girls missing school due to lack of access to sanitary wear and/or menstrual pain.
Manzinde Primary School Head, Tafadzwa Chimombe offered her gratitude to the United Methodist Church for giving a loving and supportive hand in helping the young girls.
“ We want to thank the United Methodist Fellowship Women for the gift they gave to our girls. We appreciate it so much because some many of the girls during their menstruation, they miss school,” the head said.
“ Because of your gifts, we are very happy, they will never miss school,” she said.
Mutare District World Federation Chairperson, Hellen Munjoma said their hearts goes to the girl child as they focus on the Sustainable Goal Development Goal(SDG), on health and sanitation.
“ We have blessed these girls with sanitary pads, which is our key focus to help children especially the girl child. Our hearts goes to the girl child,” she said.
One of the goals of World Federation is fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) which focuses on health and sanitation.
“ Our committee decided to put the resources together, to give these underprivileged girls. We hope these gifts, we have given you, we will go a long way in allowing not to miss school. We hope in the future, we can keep partnering with you, in whatever little we have,” said the World Federation chairperson.
